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UN and partners launch $565 mn appeal for blast-hit Lebanon

Community supports clean up the aftermath of the explosion in area of Beirut (Source: @UNOCHA)

New Delhi (NVI): The United Nations launched an appeal to raise USD 565 million fund to help Lebanese people affected by the explosion at Beirut’s port that killed over 180 people.

The UN in a statement said that the funds would be used to support Lebanon people as it moves from immediate life-saving humanitarian relief towards rebuilding its shattered economy.

Stephane Dujarric, UN spokesman said the money will enable the UN’s humanitarian partners to help people in need by targeting food security, health, shelter and protection, as well as water and sanitation hygiene support.

Nearly 180 people were killed and more than 6,000 injured in the blasts, which destroyed most of Beirut’s port and surrounding neighbourhood, leaving thousands homeless.

The explosion damaged almost six hospitals, 20 health clinics and 120 schools, according to the UN humanitarian office, OCHA.

The disaster stuck as Lebanon confronts several other crises, including economic contraction, rising poverty and the COVID-19 pandemic. Both citizens and the country’s large refugee population, have been affected, the UN said.

The UN humanitarian office also said that the appeal will target:

1.Immediate delivery of hot meals, food rations and grain supplies.

2.Rehabilitation of damaged health facilities and provision of trauma kits and essential medicines.

3.Cash for shelter for families whose homes were damaged or destroyed and for repairs of common building areas and facilities affected by the blast.

4. Repair of schools and provision of educational supplies and psychological support for children.

“The task of rebuilding people’s lives and recovering from the devastation is only just beginning,” said Najat Rochdi, Lebanon’s UN humanitarian coordinator.

“I urge the international community to demonstrate their steadfast commitment to the people of Lebanon and repay in turn Lebanon’s incredible generosity to Syrian and Palestine refugees with full financial support for this appeal,” she added.

Meanwhile, the appeal seeks funds for costs of the first two phases of what will be a three-phase response — immediate humanitarian needs and the start of recovery and reconstruction, which will cost billions of dollars and require a mix of public and private finance, the UN said.

The third phase, however, will be a response to Lebanon’s socio-economic crisis before the Beirut explosion, which has been worsen by the COVID-19 pandemic.

-RJV

J&K: PM’s speech on I-Day displayed live on big screens in Srinagar

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): For the first time in 74 years, Jammu and Kashmir administration today installed big screens at vital locations in Srinagar displaying Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day speech live.

All the I-Day functions were carried out peacefully across the Valley including the one held in Srinagar where Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha unfurled the tri-colour in presence of all the top officers of the administration.

Officials said that projectors were installed at TRC crossing, Jehangir Chowk and other parts of Srinagar. “The PM’s speech was displayed live on the big screens. This was for the first time that PM’s I-Day speech was displayed live on big screens in Srinagar areas,” an official said. “Screens were fixed at various points in Srinagar,” the official said.

This was the first I-Day in J&K as a Union Territory. On August 5 last year, the Central Government abrogated Article 370 and bifurcated the erstwhile state into two Union Territories — Ladakh and J&K.

Meanwhile, 2G Internet services on all platforms were snapped for 5 hours across Kashmir today. However, voice calling wasn’t barred this time on the occasion of Independence Day.

Officials said that based on the security review meeting held on August 14, it was decided that mobile internet services (2-G) will be suspended across Kashmir but voice calling will be allowed. “Mobile internet services on all platforms remained suspended for five hours. Internet was snapped at 7am in the morning and was restored by 12 in the noon,” officials added.

“Internet was snapped as a precautionary measure and restored as well,” the official said. Notably, 4G internet services were snapped on August 4 last year and it has been more than a year now since the 4G internet services have been suspended across J&K.

-CHK

Indian Coast Guard commences Joint Coastal Patrol for Marine police

New Delhi (NVI): The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) today commenced Joint Coastal Patrol (JCP) by embarking Marine Police personnel onboard ICG ships at various locations in the coasts to provide them sea training for enhanced coastal security and develop synergy.

The effort is aimed at developing the existing capabilities of the Marine Police towards Coastal Security.

JCP is being instituted to enable implementation of Coastal Security Scheme (CSS) through capacity building of Marine Police in the overall Coastal Security Construct, according to a statement released by the ICJ.

With this initiative, Marine Police will be able to consolidate adequate trained staff enhancing their overall operational efficiency.

It would also enable them in addressing issues of communication, inter-operability, attaining sea-legs and joint investigation procedures by Marine Police.

The endeavour which includes class room instructions and on the job training onboard ICG ships is aimed at providing hands-on experience to personnel on various aspects of safety, navigation, maintenance, law enforcement, surveillance and investigation at sea within territorial waters that will fall under the jurisdiction of respective states.

-CHK

State-wise details of Covid-19 cases in India

Covid variant
File photo

New Delhi (NVI): The total number of coronavirus cases in India has reached 25,26,192, after 65,553 new cases were reported in the past 24 hours, the biggest single-day jump so far, according to Union Health Ministry data.

Meanwhile, the death toll stands at 49,036 after 996 new fatalities were reported in the country during this period.

Total positive cases in States/UTs:

Andaman and Nicobar Islands- 2,186

Andhra Pradesh- 2,73,085

Arunachal Pradesh- 2,607

Assam- 74,501

Bihar- 98,008

Chandigarh- 1,928

Chhattisgarh- 14,481

Dadra Nagar Haveli & Diu – 1,797

Delhi- 1,50,652

Gujarat- 76,480

Goa- 10,970

Haryana– 45,614

Himachal Pradesh- 3,874

Jammu and Kashmir- 27,489

Jharkhand- 21,595

Karnataka- 2,11,108

Kerala- 41,277

Ladakh- 1,879

Madhya Pradesh- 43,414

Maharashtra- 5,72,734

Manipur- 4,198

Meghalaya- 1,228

Mizoram- 657

Nagaland- 3,322

Odisha- 54,630

Puducherry- 6,995

Punjab- 29,013

Rajasthan- 58,692

Sikkim- 1,08

Tamil Nadu- 3,26,245

Telangana- 90,259

Tripura- 6,934

Uttarakhand- 11,615

Uttar Pradesh- 1,45,287

West Bengal – 1,10,358

State/UT wise total death toll:

Andaman and Nicobar Islands- 24

Andhra Pradesh- 2,475

Arunachal Pradesh- 5

Assam- 175

Bihar- 442

Chandigarh- 28

Chhattisgarh- 130

Dadra and Nagar Haveli- 2

Delhi- 4,178

Goa- 93

Gujarat- 2,746

Haryana- 518

Himachal Pradesh- 19

Jammu and Kashmir- 520

Jharkhand- 224

Karnataka- 3,717

Kerala- 139

Ladakh- 9

Madhya Pradesh- 1,081

Maharashtra- 19,427

Manipur- 13

Meghalaya- 6

Nagaland- 8

Odisha- 324

Puducherry- 106

Punjab- 731

Rajasthan- 846

Sikkim- 1

Tamil Nadu- 5,514

Telangana- 684

Tripura- 50

Uttar Pradesh- 2,335

Uttarakhand- 147

West Bengal- 2,319

However, a total of 18,08,936 people have been cured or discharged. Total active cases stand at 6,68,220.

-CHK

Pranab Mukherjee’s vital parameters stable; still on ventilator

Former President Pranab Mukherjee

New Delhi (NVI): Former President Pranab Mukherjee’s vital parameters are stable, but his condition remains unchanged this morning and continues to be on ventilator, Army’s Research and Referral (RR) Hospital said today.

“The condition of Hon’ble Shri Pranab Mukherjee remains unchanged this morning. He continues to be on ventilatory support. His vital and clinical parameters remain stable and are being closely monitored by a team of specialists,” a statement from hospital said.

Mukherjee underwent brain surgery on August 10 at Army hospital in Delhi cantonment, to remove a blood clot. He later tested positive for COVID-19.

His condition had worsened on August 11 and he had not shown signs of improvement since then.

Taking to Twitter, his daughter Sharmistha Mukherjee recalled celebrating Independence Day at their ancestral home in Kirnahar, West Bengal.

“In his childhood, my dad and my uncle would hoist National Flag at our ancestral home in village. Since then, he never missed a year to hoist tri-colour on Independence Day. Sharing some memories from last years celebration at home. I’m sure he’ll do the same next year. Jai Hind,” she tweeted.

Earlier this week, a yagna was performed in Mukherjee’s hometown for his speedy recovery. The residents of Kirnahar and Mukherjee’s family members started the yagna on the occasion of Janmashtami.

-RJV

Amit Shah remembers freedom fighters

Amit Shah meets farmer leaders
File Photo: Union Home Minister Amit Shah

New Delhi (NVI): Home Minister Amit Shah today remembered nations’ freedom fighters and brave soldiers on the occasion of 74th Independence Day.

In a tweet, Shah saluted all the freedom fighters and said, “On the occasion of ‘Independence Day’, I offer my prayers at the feet of all the great fighters who have given freedom to the country with their valor and sacrifice, and also salute all the brave heroes who have won the unity of the country after independence, Surrendered for integrity and security,” he tweeted in Hindi.

He also expressed pride that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is realising the dream of an independent, strong and capable India as seen by freedom fighters.

In series of tweet, Shah wrote, “Today we are very proud that the dream of independent, strong and capable India dreamt by our freedom fighters is being brought to reality by PM Narendra Modi.”

“On one side poor and deprived classes were given homes, electricity, health insurance while on the other, India was made a stronger nation,” he added.

Shah also urged people to take a pledge to fulfill the dream of a self-reliant India and make maximum contribution to take the country to new heights.

Earlier, PM Modi also extended his greetings to the people of the nation on the occasion.”Happy Independence Day to all fellow Indians. Jai Hind!” the Prime Minister tweeted.

-RJV

Global coronavirus cases rise to over 21 million

New Delhi (NVI): The total number of coronavirus cases globally has increased to over 21 million, with more than 7,63,000 deaths.

At least 13 million patients have recovered worldwide, according to Johns Hopkins University statistics.

In the US, the total number of cases stand around 5.3 million while more than 1,68,300 people have lost their lives due to the deadly virus.

In addition to this, California became the first state in the United States to surpass 600,000 cases of COVID-19.

Brazil, the second most affected country from COVID-19 after the US, recorded 50,644 cases within 24-hours and surpassed 3.2 million mark. The country’s death toll stands at 106,523.

South Korea reported 166 new case of the coronavirus, it’s highest daily jump in five months, taking the national caseload to 15,039, including 305 deaths.

In a development, the France’s capital, Paris, is expanding the areas of the city where pedestrians will be obliged to wear masks starting from today morning.

Meanwhile, the number of coronavirus cases in Mexico rose by 5,618 to reach 511,369. The health department reported 615 newly confirmed deaths from COVID-19, bringing the country’s total deaths to 55,908.

Apart from this, New Zealand reported seven new cases of COVID-19 as a lockdown in the country’s biggest city, Auckland, was extended in response to the Pacific nation’s first coronavirus outbreak in months.

-RJV

PM salutes corona warriors at 74th Independence Day celebrations

New Delhi (NVI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi today hailed the ‘corona warriors’ in his speech at Red Fort on 74th Independence Day, saying that they had lived up to the mantra of ‘Seva Parmo Dharma’ by serving the people of the country.

Addressing the nation from Red Fort, PM Modi said, “We are going through difficult times, I can’t see young children here in front of me today. As coronavirus has stopped everyone. In these times of a pandemic, corona warriors have lived the mantra of ‘Seva Parmo Dharma’ and served the people of India. I express my gratitude to them,” he added.

Prior to addressing the nation, PM Modi inspected the guard of honour and then unfurled the tricolour to mark this joyous occasion before he began his speech at Red Fort.

In his speech, PM Modi also offered condolences for those who lost their loved ones in the pandemic due to the virus that has claimed over 48,000 lives in the country so far.

“Many have also lost their lives in this fight. I express my condolences to them and the families that have suffered tremendous losses in the pandemic,” he added.

The Prime Minister also stated, this is a day to remember all the sacrifices of our freedom fighters and security personnel’s.

He further pitches for Aatmanirbhar Bharat, “Aatmanirbhar Bharat has become a ‘mantra’ for the 130 crore Indians today. It is on the mind of India and this dream is turning into a pledge.”

PM Modi unfurls the Tricolour flag at the ramparts of Red Fort

This year, celebrations are taking place as the nation fights the pandemic, strict social distancing and safety measures are being followed. There were fewer people at the Red Fort, all were asked to wear masks and were seated at six-feet distance.

-RJV

India’s Covid tally crosses 25 lakh; death toll nearing 50,000 mark

New Delhi (NVI): The number of coronavirus cases in India reached 25,26,192 after the country reported of 65,553 fresh cases in the past 24 hours, Union Health Ministry said.

The death toll in the country stands at 49,036 with 996 new fatalities being reported during this period.

So far 18,08,937 COVID-19 patients have been cured and discharged across the country. With this, the recovery rate improved further to 75 per cent in India.

In worst-hit Maharashtra the coronavirus tally reaches 5,72,734 followed by Tamil Nadu (326,249), Andhra Pradesh (2,73,085) and Delhi (1,51,400).

The other worst-affected states in the country are Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Gujarat.

In terms of fatalities, Maharashtra again tops the tally with 19,427 deaths, ministry said.

The death toll in the national surged to 4,181 while more than 1,40,000 patients have recovered in Delhi so far, healthy ministry data shows

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the total of 2,85,63,095 samples tested for COVID-19 in the country up to August 13. Of these, 8,68,679 samples were tested yesterday.

RJV

WATCH | Baloch people burn Pakistan flag on Aug 14- Pak I-Day


Facing abuse and violence at the hands of Pakistan military and security forces for years, people in Balochistan protest against Pak’s authoritarian regime by burning its flag on August 14 that is marked as Pakistan Independence Day.

Pakistan celebrates August 14 as its Independence Day every year but Baloch people do not celebrate this day as they consider themselves as a separate territory that was occupied by Islamabad forcibly on March 27, 1948.

Baloch people celebrate 11 August as their independence day every year, as it was on this day in 1947 that the British government gave independence to Balochistan.

They have been protesting against human rights violations and forced disappearances of their people for almost seven decades now.

-ARK

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